The path around Jinji Lake is the signature run in Suzhou. Jinji Lake is centrally located near the Gate of the Orient, and has a nicely developed series of paved walking paths that encircle the lake. A full loop is 14 km, and there is much to see: views of the water, Suzhou skyline, the spectacular ‘East Door’, fountains, light displays, boardwalks, gorgeous bridges, and more.
East Side Path. Google Street ViewWest side view. Google Street View
Good starting points are the Jinji Lake Scenic Area West Entrance near the Music Fountain, or the east side near the Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre. Follow the path that encircles the lake. It’s a series of paved paths, with some boardwalk sections. A full loop is ~14 km, and you can also do a shorter run. This map of the Jinji Half Marathon has good km markers to help plot distances. There’s lots to see the whole way, and there will be other runners! Near the South Gate is the Ligongdiscenic spot, and the Jinshuiwan Plank Bridge at the half-way point. East side highlights are the Suzhou Ferris Wheel and impressive Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre. At the north end is the Forever Melody 3 Sculpture and the scenic Linglong Bridge over the water.
Note: Mostly lit at night, and there are beautiful light displays.
The path around Jinji Lake is the signature run in Suzhou. Jinji Lake is centrally located near the Gate of the Orient, and has a nicely developed series of paved walking paths that encircle the lake. A full loop is 14 km, and there is much to see: views of the water, Suzhou skyline, the spectacular ‘East Door’, fountains, light displays, boardwalks, gorgeous bridges, and more.
East Side Path. Google Street ViewWest side view. Google Street View
Good starting points are the Jinji Lake Scenic Area West Entrance near the Music Fountain, or the east side near the Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre. Follow the path that encircles the lake. It’s a series of paved paths, with some boardwalk sections. A full loop is ~14 km, and you can also do a shorter run. This map of the Jinji Half Marathon has good km markers to help plot distances. There’s lots to see the whole way, and there will be other runners! Near the South Gate is the Ligongdiscenic spot, and the Jinshuiwan Plank Bridge at the half-way point. East side highlights are the Suzhou Ferris Wheel and impressive Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre. At the north end is the Forever Melody 3 Sculpture and the scenic Linglong Bridge over the water.
Note: Mostly lit at night, and there are beautiful light displays.
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Essentials
Full lake loop: 14 km (8.6 miles)
Fairly flat
Jinji Lake Scenic Area West Entrance
From Suzhou Center, use the Hubin Beiqiao Brg. Subway: Line 1.
Just south of Jinji Lake, there’s some nice running along Dushu Lake. A network of park-like paths runs along the east side of the lake for some 6.5 km. Just inland, can run on paths around the Soochow University campus, including two running tracks.
Get up early and explore Suzhou Old City within the Gusu District. which preserves the traditional grid of canals and streets. There are canal-side paths, historic gardens, ancient city walls, & moats. The area is ~5 km north-south & east-west. Our mapped route is a guideline to randomly explore!
Pleasant run along the Suzhou Canal in the Gusu District. Canal-side path runs for ~2.3 km between the Hanshan Temple Buddhist Library and the Suzhou Sports Center stadium. Park-like space, views of the narrow canal, some old stone bridges.
Scenic wetlands park located in the Huqiu District northwest of Suzhou’s historic Gusu District, near Tiger Hill. About 10 km of trails around a landscape of forest and wetland.
Dramatic run around Shihu (Stone) Lake in the Wuzhong District, using numerous pedestrian bridges over the water. One of our favorite runs in Suzhou. Great water views and lovely green spaces. We've mapped shorter & longer loop options.
These two ecological parks, which are 2 km apart, are lovely for running, with beautifully landscaped paths around lakes and gardens. Known for their cherry blossoms! Each loop is ~4 km. Run separately or combine.
A destination running option, located near Suzhou and also accessible from Shanghai. Extensive cycle & pedestrian trails along the lake, plus green spaces & ecological park. Full peninsula loop is 18 km. Also separate section near Fairmont Hotel.
Very nice running at Suzhou Taihu National Wetland Park, located in the Huqiu District, adjacent to Taihu Lake. A system of wooden boardwalks and paths wind through the wetland habitat, connecting scenic zones, bridges and overlooks. Loop is 8 km.
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Essentials
Full lake loop: 14 km (8.6 miles)
Fairly flat
Jinji Lake Scenic Area West Entrance
From Suzhou Center, use the Hubin Beiqiao Brg. Subway: Line 1.
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!